Stylish and artsy summer events in the busy social calendar …
Clodagh McKenna and Angela Belle McSweeney. Photograph by Kieran Harnett.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
For many, summer is dominated by racing events taking place around the country. Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna was the lead judge for the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Best Dressed Competition at the Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare. Angela Belle McSweeney from Sydney, Australia was declared Best Dressed on the day in a dress from Bronx and Banco, accessorising with a hat by Cynthia Jones Bryson Millinery, a Cult Gaia bag and Dior shoes. She won a stunning trip to Dubai, courtesy of Dubai Duty Free. @dubaidutyfree
Dermot Bannon and Maria McEnery. Photograph by Brian McEvoy.
Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta
The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta has grown into a major international event, welcoming 1,600 sailors from 56 yacht clubs around the world. This year’s regatta featured two major innovations: a new Introductory Class to encourage and support newer sailors, plus the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships featuring 40 boats – the class’s largest-ever gathering in Europe – with teams ranging in age from 12 to 75 years, including seven crews from the US. In tandem with these races, a special Dubarry Ladies Lunch was held at the Royal St George Yacht Club, one of three elegant lunches as part of the regatta, with parallel events also hosted at the Royal Irish Yacht Club and the National Yacht Club. Across all three venues, over 200 guests came together for an afternoon of fashion, food and fundraising in support of local girl Hannah Leonard, who was left with severe brain injuries after she was struck by a car in Sicily last year. @dlregatta
Jess Colivet. Photograph by Marc O’Sullivan.
InterContinental Dublin Continentally Classic Competition
On August 7, pop into InterContinental Dublin for a glass of champagne for the annual Continentally Classic competition. Judges are looking for a mix of Irish designs, pre-loved, designer, vintage and high street pieces. The prize this year is an exclusive shopping experience at Kildare Village with €2,000 to spend, as well as luxury spa stays at the InterContinental and Powerscourt Hotel. @intercondublin
Galway Summer Vibes Festival
Galway might be known for the gallop at Ballybrit, but Race Week is the real trot in town. In addition to the action on the track, the city’s Summer Vibes programme is buzzing with fashion shows, pop-up gigs, yoga sessions, walking tours, and even disco bikes lighting up the west end after dark. It’s the perfect prelude to Dublin Horse Show. @galwaysummervibes
Guaranteed Irish Business of Beauty & Wellness
Guaranteed Irish held its first Business of Beauty & Wellbeing breakfast at The Ivy Dublin, bringing together a host of Irish brands including Kinvara Skincare, AYU Cosmetics, Revive Active, and The Smooth Company to spotlight the impact and potential of homegrown businesses. Guest speakers Suzie O’Neill from AYU Cosmetics and Katey McElroy from TikTok Shop Ireland shared insights on authenticity, storytelling, and navigating the evolving digital landscape. The event also provided a platform for members to voice key challenges around packaging quality, exporting barriers, and the need for more structured supports like VAT workshops and trade show guidance. @guaranteed_irl
Summer Group Show, Solomon Fine Art
There are plenty of inspiring art exhibitions to enjoy this season, including the Summer Group Show at Solomon Fine Art in Dublin. Look out for jewellery designer Sam Lafford and artists from Helen O’Connell (pictured) and Maggie Morrisson (from Achill) to Ana Duncan and Orla de Bri, whose works appear in the exhibition. After perusing the works, stroll next door to sample a glass of rosé on the floral terrace of Wilde at The Westbury. @solomonfineart